This February, the Charleston Concert Association will present a delightful evening of cherished music with the legendary Peter Nero. The two-time Grammy Award-winning pianist and founding director of the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra will perform “Music of the Heart”, a romantic program celebrating Valentine’s Day. Nero’s virtuosity, authenticity and his inviting sense of humor make him the consummate performer. He has released over 65 albums, and is known for his blend of musical styles that includes classical, Broadway, blues and jazz. When Nero’s music starts, the heart responds. Bassist Michael Barnett will accompany Mr. Nero in this sure to be engaging performance.

All performances start at 7 p.m. and will be held at the Sottile Theatre. Individual tickets are available through TicketMaster (800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com) or at the CCA office at 131 King Street, Charleston 29401, Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.charlestonconcerts.org.

The theatre was built by Albert Sottile, President of the Pastime Amusement Company, with construction commencing in

1922. It was originally named the Gloria Theatre and opened its doors on Aug. 20, 1927 by showing Norman Shearer’s

“After Midnight.” Originally fitted with 2,000 seats, the Sottile Theatre was the largest of its kind in all of South Carolina.

Until closing its doors in 1975, the Sottile Theatre served primarily as a movie house. The building was subsequently

donated to the College of Charleston by the Sottile family and the Pastime Amusement Co.

Today, the main auditorium still features a shimmering, blue, sky-like dome with twinkling stars created from lights above.

Side archways are covered with ornamental ironwork and the stage is framed by a proscenium trimmed with molding. The

lobbies were completely renovated and a new second floor lobby was constructed to serve the balconies. The second floor

plaza opens onto a covered porch that overlooks George Street. The venue now seats 785 people, perfectly intimate for a

wide variety of events in the performing arts.

About the Charleston Concert Association

The Charleston Concert Association, where a World in Performance awaits! The Charleston Concert Association is

Charleston’s oldest and only year-round non-profit presenting arts organization. Founded in 1936, the Charleston Concert

Association has presented more internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles in Charleston than any other arts organization. Celebrating 77 years of exciting performances, the CCA is ever more devoted to bringing the joy of worldclass music and dance to our community and instilling an appreciation of the performing arts in future generations through education.

This organization is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National

Endowment for the Arts.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of Peter Nero’s recording career, which eventually produced 67 recordings. In 1960 he was signed to a three-year contract with RCA Victor records, which was then renewed for another five years, producing more than 26 LPs, including Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Piano Concerto in F with Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. The following year, he was honored with his first Grammy Award, as “Best New Artist of the Year.”

In January 2013 pianist and conductor Peter Nero was awarded a Certificate by the President of the

Philadelphia City Council honoring his outstanding lifetime musical achievements, and recognizing his innumerable contributions to arts and culture in Philadelphia as an award-winning pianist and the founding conductor and Artistic Director of the world renowned Peter Nero and the Philly POPS orchestra.

In October 2009 Peter Nero was also honored with lifetime achievement awards from the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the Philadelphia Musicians’ Union Local 77, AFM. He also received the Mario Lanza Award, in recognition of outstanding achievement in the field of music, in

November 2009.

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